Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA)

Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) is a nonprofit organization designated by Chapter 177 in the Iowa Legislature as the official seed certifying agency in Iowa. ICIA is composed of member companies and individuals working in the seed industry and advancing seed and crop improvement. Iowa Crop Improvement Association began offering a certification program in 2006 to assure that forage and mulch is free of noxious weed seed. The program offered will comply with the Weed Free Forage Standards developed by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA). In other Midwestern states, this program has been used as an additional marketing opportunity for hay and straw producers. Potential markets Include contractors using straw for road construction erosion-control projects, customers seeking clean hay, and people needing certified hay for horses on visits to national parks.